OFT investigates alleged price-fixing by truck manufacturers 16 September 2010

Mercedes-Benz's offices in Tongwell, Milton Keynes, have been visited by investigators from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), following allegations of price-fixing in the truck market.

As well as the German manufacturer, the OFT has confirmed that information has been requested from Swedish truck maker Scania and MAN.

A spokesman for Scania says that no-one from the OFT has visited the company's premises yet, but confirms that a letter has been received and that the company will be cooperating with the OFT's investigations.

A letter has also been sent to the seven main truck manufacturers, which could yet mean the likes of Iveco, Renault Trucks and Volvo also become subject to subsequent OFT investigations and even raids.

The OFT says it is "investigating suspected cartel activity involving commercial vehicle manufacturers in the UK. Investigations are being carried out under both the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Competition Act 1998."

While the investigations are at an early stage, one Mercedes-Benz employee has already been arrested and released on bail. If found guilty, manufacturers could be fined 10% of their annual turnover, with guilty executives possibly facing jail sentences of up to five years.

In a statement, the company said: "Mercedes-Benz UK can confirm that the OFT visited its Tongwell offices as part of its investigations into the UK commercial vehicle market. Mercedes-Benz is fully cooperating with the investigation, which may take many months or more to complete."

Author
John Challen

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